Whether you’re like Clark Griswold in National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation, or like a more refined display, pretty much everyone agrees that Christmas and the holiday season wouldn’t be the same without all of the beautiful lights and displays. Some of the displays go over the top, and sooner or later, that electric bill is going to be due.
High electricity bills from all of the lights, extensive cooking and baking, and pumping up the thermostat can also break the bank. But saving money on electricity isn’t the first thing on your mind right now. So, we thought we might give you some tips so you have more money to spend on gifts for your loved ones rather than on bills.
Here is our list of tips and tricks that anyone can do to decrease their use of electricity.
1. LED lights
LED holiday lights are much more efficient, environmentally friendly and friendlier to your wallet in the long run. The initial purchase might cost more, but when you factor in the energy efficiency – and that fact that LED lights last longer than regular lights you have to replace every year or so, it’s a smart way to light up the season without breaking the bank.
Energy Saver has shown that for 125 standard C-7 bulbs, the electricity cost is $25.13 compared to 280 LED bulbs, spending only $0.56.
2. Lights out during the day
Unlike sea turtles that need the lights out during the night, that’s really the only time Christmas lights should be on. Leaving the lights on all day might seem like a great way to get in the holiday spirit, but in reality, the effect is lost. Sunlight and being at work, school or out and about means that you are lighting a tree for no reason. So, instead of letting your tree stay on and increasing your electricity bill, set a timer for your tree and house lights to turn off and on at a certain time. A Timer Power Strip will not only save you money but it also takes the worry out of forgetting to shut the lights off before you go to sleep; preventing electrical problems or possible fires.
3. Turn off room lights
At night, when your Christmas tree is lit, that’s the time to enjoy its beauty. Go ahead and turn off the unnecessary room lights. The tree lights should give you and your family enough light to navigate throughout your home and add just the right touch of seasonal joy without your electric meter doing the SHAG outside.
4. People + cooking = turn down the heat!
Family and friends are the reason for the holidays. Add to that mix all the great food that’s traditional this time of year, and you have a recipe for a great time – AND a hot house!
Monitoring the thermostat when you have guests over for a family get-together can be a really efficient way to save energy. The more people you have over to the house for that special holiday party, the less heat that needs to be running. If you have more than one zone of heating, turn down the one that everyone is in, so no one freezes when they go to the bathroom, or to bed.
5. Cook, bake and refrigerate smart
Keeping your refrigerator stocked helps generate less energy than when it is empty. Also, when baking and cooking those holiday treats, turn the oven off 10-15 minutes before the food is ready to be taken out. The heat that is generated continues to keep the oven warm without continuously being in use. If you really want to save, utilize a slow cooker or microwave—both are more energy-efficient.
These are just some of our ways to save electricity during the holidays. We’d love to hear how you save energy this time of year. Comment below, or on our Facebook page!
Helping homeowners and businesses save money is part of Standard Affluent Private Bank’s mission. For more information about Standard Affluent Private Bank, visit HaveANiceBank.com.
Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!
